by Penny Insurance Agency | Oct 27, 2022 | Insurance
The Carolinas are one of the most diverse and beautiful regions in the United States, offering opportunities for people of all ages to experience their fair share of fun and adventure throughout the year. It’s one of the main reasons that Penny Insurance calls this area home—with office locations in both Hendersonville and Tryon, North Carolina.
With this area offering a wide variety of places to visit, you have the opportunity to explore many areas and find your perfect fall experience. With this guide to fall in our own backyard, you will be sure to make the most of your time enjoying all that our area has to offer in this beautiful season of autumn.
Drive the Blue Ridge parkway
If seeing the fall colors and changing leaves is top of your “to do” list, one of the best (and easiest) things to do is to drive The Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic, four-lane highway runs for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah’s Skyline Drive to the Cherokee National Forest near Gaffney, South Carolina. With incredible views all the way, this winding, remote path is great for adventuresome souls looking to explore.
Fortunately, the drive can be completed in less than a day if you’re looking for a quick getaway, although you can see plenty with picnic spots and a few hours in North Carolina’s section of the drive. If you decide to drive it, make sure you check out Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the highest point on the parkway at 6,643 feet.
Pick some apples
Fall means apples, and apple picking is an excellent way to spend a fall day in Hendersonville, North Carolina. There are plenty of places for apple picking, but some of the most popular—Mountain Fresh Orchard, Justus Orchard and Sky Top—provide incredible experiences surrounding your pick of your favorite fruit.
If you can’t decide where to go, just decide when. Plan to visit the area over Labor Day weekend, when you can attend the Apple festival, and sample apples, ciders, donuts, and other treats from around the state—all within a mile’s stretch of downtown Hendersonville.
Fly through the air
For those looking for adventure and a bit of adrenaline, look no further than The Gorge in Saluda, N.C. This zipline is one of the steepest and fastest ziplines in the nation, and is an adventure like no other. You’ll soar over a picturesque gorge on a suspended cable, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surroundings below.
Once you’re done with your flight, there’s still plenty more to explore. Seek out Green River Adventures for everything from whitewater trips to rappelling down one of the local waterfalls. Whatever you do, you’re sure to have a rush after doing it.
Take a hike
Looking for beautiful sights and a little fresh air? You’re in luck—both North Carolina and South Carolina have some of the prettiest spots to take a hike anywhere in the southeast. Check out the trails at Lake Jocassee, head toward Sassafrass Mountain (right on the NC and SC border), or head out toward Caesar’s Head, Flat Rock, or any number of gorgeous locations. If waterfalls are your thing, check out the Carolina Mountain Club’s WC100—a list of 100 waterfalls in the region that are “must sees”.
In short, Western North Carolina is the best place to hang out in the fall. The mountains and the lakes are breathtaking, and it’s a great place for outdoor recreation and exploration. Fall means that all the leaves are changing colors and falling from the trees, so there are photo opportunities a plenty for nature lovers. Even better: there are lots of events happening during this time, too—like festivals, arts fairs and live music.
We fell in love with Western North Carolina, and we know you will, too. And whether you’re new to the area, looking to buy a second home in the mountains, or just stopping in, we’d love to help you with any of your insurance needs – home, auto, life, business, equine, premium and more. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or get a quote for any of your needs, please contact us and let us know.
by Penny Insurance Agency | Oct 5, 2022 | Equine Insurance
Horse owners have known the importance of equine insurance for decades; those who don’t often discover it the hard way. Whether you own one horse or an entire stable, it’s important to make sure you and your animals are protected in case they fall ill or sustain an injury while you’re away from home. The best horse insurance policy can cover all of your most valuable assets at reasonable prices, so if you aren’t sure where to start looking, consult this guide on why equine insurance is important and how to get the best coverage possible.
What is Equine Insurance?
Equine insurance is a type of insurance that covers horses and their owners against injuries and other losses. There are two main types of equine coverage: liability insurance, which pays for any damage done by your horse, and property insurance, which covers anything your horse damages while in your care. There are many more types of equine insurance policies available today than there were decades ago; it’s important to read up on the differences between these policies before deciding which one is right for you.
Why should I have insurance on my horse?
It’s a sad reality that we live in a world where accidents can happen at any time, but if you own a horse, it’s important for you to have equine insurance, which can help cover veterinary costs and lost earnings due to injury. Having coverage will also help you avoid going into debt if your horse needs expensive medical treatment. But more than anything, you want to have peace of mind that if something does happen, your horse will be taken care of, and your financial investments will be well-protected.
Our Policy Solutions
At Penny Insurance, we always want to find the best solution to the daily challenges that our clients face. For our equestrian clientele, it was important to us to find coverage that not only protected the animal themself but also reinforced the relationships that most owners have with their animals.
For this reason, we have recently expanded our policy coverage for horses and their owners—and include options in both areas of life and health insurance through Core Specialty Equine. We truly believe that we can offer some of the best insurance options through this new program. Here’s a quick download on what makes these policies so great:
Major Medical Coverage
If you own a horse and have bought health insurance before, you may be aware that not only do you have to consider the deductible for each visit, but typically will also have a percentage-based co-pay as well—something that can quickly add up in the case of a problem. But with our policies, you don’t have to worry about that sneaking up on you; we can offer plans with no co-pay requirements at all.
In-House Claims
When you purchase an equine policy through Penny Insurance, you don’t have to worry about claims taking forever or being “farmed out” to other claims departments. With Core Specialty, the claims department is all in-house, allowing them to respond quickly. And not only that, but they are in the same space as underwriting, allowing them to know each policy and its benefits intimately.
Loss of Use; Not Loss of Horse
If your horse is an income generator—whether riding, breeding or racing—then a loss of use policy is a must-have, and will protect you in case something happens to your major breadwinner. But should the worst happen, you don’t want your only option to be euthanization—something that most other policies require in order to gain your payout. With Penny Insurance, you have options: either rehab the horse in an adoptive scenario for the full payout, or keep your four-legged friend for half. Either way, your loss of use doesn’t have to mean the end of an era.
If you’re looking for a new policy for your equine companion, you’ll want to take a look at our new policies immediately. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or get a quote for any of your home, family or business needs, please contact us and let us know.
by Penny Insurance Agency | Sep 8, 2022 | Insurance, Valuable Items Insurance
Insuring Your Art Collection: Everything You Need to Know
How to insure your collectibles and collections
Your art collection is probably one of your most prized possessions, but it can also be one of the most difficult to insure. That’s because art insurance often comes with high premiums and plenty of exclusions, and you’ll need to take the proper steps to protect it from damage or theft.
The good news? If you have enough appraised value in your collection, you may qualify for extra protection from your home insurance provider—or even full coverage under certain circumstances. So whether you’re looking to start or expand your collection, here are some of the basics you should know about insuring art collections and collectibles.
What’s a collectible insurance policy?
A collectible insurance policy is a premium policy that covers art and collectibles. This type of policy is designed to protect your investment—whether that be antique art, legacy jewelry or a priceless vase—in case of damage or theft. However, while collectible insurance policies are usually more expensive than standard homeowners or renters insurance policies, they also offer more comprehensive coverage specific to the needs of the owner, as well.
Considerations for Policies
If you’re considering getting an insurance policy to cover your collectibles, it’s important to know that it’s not as simple as a one-size-fits-all policy. In fact, there are a lot of coverage areas you should consider, so if you’re in the consideration phase, make sure you sit down with a trusted agent to go over your options. Here are a few things you should review when shopping for a collectibles policy:
- Coverage Settlements
When you itemize your pieces of artwork, many insurance companies will cover them for the agreed value. That way, in the event of a total covered damage or loss, you receive the full amount of the agreed value, with no depreciation. However, other policies allow for market appreciation and may pay over the agreed value if the value has increased considerably. Another option is to receive a cash payout in the event of damage or loss if an item is irreplaceably damaged. - Newly Acquired Items
Still building your collection? You’ll want to ensure you have immediate coverage for new acquisitions. Then, within 90 days, you’ll be covered for at least some of the total itemized coverage. - Pairs, Sets and Parts Coverage
When dealing with sets (like antique chess or even jewelry) you always have to consider the value of the item alongside its other pieces. With Pairs, Sets and Parts coverage, you can hand over the remaining pieces, and coverage will be paid out for the entire set. - Loss of Market Value
Sometimes, if a work of art is damaged, it can lose a lot of market value—quickly. With Loss of Market Value coverage, your insurer may not only pay to repair the item, but also compensate for any loss to value.
How much does collectible insurance cost?
On average, collectible insurance policies cost between 1% and 3% of the total value of the collection. That means, if your art collection is valued at $100,000, you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 per year in premiums. However, it’s important to note that these are just averages, so it’s worth getting a quote from your trusted insurance broker, first, before committing to a particular policy.
While there are many things to consider when insuring your art collection, one thing that shouldn’t deter you from doing so is cost. When deciding how much collectible insurance costs, it helps to remember that owning valuable artwork provides financial security as well as emotional benefits. After all, we all want our collections to grow in value over time!
Hiring a professional appraiser
One of the first steps in insuring your collection is knowing its market value, and the best way to do that is through a professional appraisal. Hiring a professional appraiser is the best way to do this, as they will have the expertise and experience needed to accurately assess your collection. Fortunately, the cost of having an appraisal done is small (especially when compared to the value of your collection) and ranges from $200 to $500, depending on the size and type of items in your collection.
Whether you’re an accomplished collector or just starting out with your first purchase, we at Penny Insurance are here to help you keep your most valued possessions safe. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or get a quote for any of your needs, please contact us and let us know.
by Penny Insurance Agency | Aug 4, 2022 | General Tips
If you’ve followed recent news about Yellowstone, you may have realized that floods are one of the most devastating natural disasters to exist. However, they also happen to be the most common, and occur far more often than people realize. In fact, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), there are approximately 500 flood-related events in the U.S. every year. What’s more, major floods can cause billions of dollars in damage and destroy countless homes, so it’s important to know whether you live in an area that’s at risk of flooding and what steps you can take to protect your home.
But even if you don’t live in an area with an especially high risk of flooding, it’s important to make sure you have considered flood coverage on your home insurance policy before disaster strikes. If you need it, flood damage can be surprisingly extensive and hard to cover out-of-pocket, so there’s no sense in taking unnecessary risks when you don’t have to.
What is flood insurance?
Flood insurance is a type of insurance coverage that helps protect your home from damage caused by flooding. Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, so it’s important to purchase separate flood insurance if you live in an area at risk of flooding, or you suspect that a singular flood in your area will damage your home or other property.
What does flood insurance cover?
Flood insurance is vital for homeowners in flood-prone areas, but many people don’t know what their policy covers. Generally, there are two types of insurance that can protect you against this danger: building and contents insurance policies. Building insurance will cover any damages caused by flooding during a storm event, including damages to your home itself as well as any fixtures inside it (such as plumbing). Contents insurance will cover anything that was damaged by water or ruined due to wet conditions during the event (like clothing).
When pricing out a policy, insurance companies consider your risk level—the higher your risk level, the more expensive the policy will be. That means if you live in a flood plain, or your property has a long history of flooding during big weather events, you may find it to be quite expensive.
How do I know if I need flood insurance?
As a homeowner, you should always be prepared for the worst, and in some cases, that means having insurance to cover you in case of a flood. But how do you know if you need flood insurance?
A homeowner will likely know they need to purchase a policy when they see changes in their neighborhood that could indicate an increased likelihood of flooding, or if they notice that their own property has flooded previously. For example, if a water pipe broke upstream and water levels started rising or there was an increase in river levels or heavy rain storms near their home, then they may have some indicators that they should purchase this type of coverage.
More generally, there are two important questions to ask yourself before purchasing a flood policy.
- Is your home at risk for flooding?
- What would happen if it did flood? How much money would I lose?
If either of these questions can’t be answered with a positive and reliable outcome, then flood insurance may be something you should consider.
What policies are available?
There are two standard types of flood insurance available for homeowners: the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and private flood insurance. Depending on the level of risk, homeowners may consider either or both of these options for coverage.
The NFIP
The NFIP is a government-backed program that is available through participating insurance companies. NFIP policies are available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and have standard coverage limits. NFIP insurance may be required if you have a government-backed loan for your mortgage.
Private Insurance
Private flood insurance is offered by some insurance companies and may provide additional coverage not available through the NFIP. You can get this type of insurance through a variety of different insurers, who will offer a variety of flexible coverage options. Private insurance is a great way to cover all types of risk for any type of home.
If you’re concerned about flooding at your residence, or any other type of coverage to protect it, we would love to chat with you further. Whatever your needs, we at Penny Insurance are here to protect what you hold dear. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
by Penny Insurance Agency | Jul 13, 2022 | General Tips
Just as you lock your doors and windows to prevent thieves from entering your home, you should take steps to protect yourself online as well. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, more than half of American adults are concerned about their online privacy and security. And it’s no wonder—with hackers, cyberbullies, and other online threats constantly lurking around every corner, it’s not difficult to understand why people would be worried about their safety and security on the Internet.
However, when it comes to staying safe online, the main thing you need to know about security online is that if you don’t take steps to protect yourself, you’re putting yourself at risk. That means you could become the victim of an attack or crime and lose your money, your reputation or your peace of mind in the process. To help you protect yourself against these kinds of threats, here are eight cyber security tips you should follow as much as possible.
1) Stop Password Reuse
As dangerous as it is, many people have a single password for all their accounts, or at least very similar passwords. This is a recipe for disaster if any of your accounts are compromised; the thief only needs to access one account to see that same password on others, and all it takes is one hacker with a big enough bank of stolen passwords to get in.
To keep your passwords safe, follow these tips:
- Use different passwords on each account
- Never use words you’ve used before
- Avoid overly simple ones like 12345, pet names or other identifiable info
- Change your password regularly—at least every six months or so, and
- If you ever suspect an account has been hacked, change your password immediately
2) Avoid Phishing Scams
Phishing scams are among one of the most common ways that hackers steal information. These scams work by tricking you into visiting a website that looks legitimate, but instead steals your login credentials or other private information. To avoid phishing scams, take some time before entering any personal information online—even if it appears on a trusted website. Think about what types of websites you’re comfortable sharing information with and stick to them for as long as possible, and never re-enter sensitive info unless you’re absolutely sure that site is actually where it claims to be.
3) Do Not Click On Links From Unknown Senders
This is one of those pieces of advice you should take from time to time, regardless of how often you think it applies. It’s almost impossible to look at a strange text or email and not click—especially if you’re curious! But clicking links or attachments from people you don’t know can land you in trouble. The reality is that if someone asks for any of your personal information, whether it be passwords or social security numbers, they’re probably up to no good. Do not engage with them—block their number and delete texts/emails asking for sensitive info immediately.
4) Change Passwords Regularly
To stay safe online, experts recommend changing your passwords at least once every six months. Longer than that and hackers could have enough time to crack any passwords you haven’t changed recently, which is especially risky if you use a password across multiple accounts. So when it comes to passwords, less is more. Try using a password manager like LastPass that creates complex passwords for you, then stores them in an encrypted database so you only need to remember one master password.
5) Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor identification is a security measure that requires two different forms of identification (hence, two-factors) to gain access to a user’s account. This means that someone attempting to access your account will need not only your password but also some additional information from you—think an SMS code or a unique secret key—to get in. Set up two-factor authentication on all your accounts and you’ll be far more secure than most people are online.
6) Stay Away From Rogue Wi-Fi Networks
Public wi-fi is dangerous, especially when it comes to using your personal devices. Hackers can easily access unprotected public Wi-Fi networks and steal private information like passwords, credit card information and other sensitive data you may be transmitting. To avoid these risks and stay safe online, use a VPN whenever you are on an unsecured network (such as public wi-fi at a mall, store or an airport). A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and the server, preventing hackers from accessing your data.
7) Backup Your Data Regularly
While backups won’t necessarily prevent a problem online, backups of your data can help you get your system back on track if you’re hacked or a device is damaged. It can also help you prevent data loss in case something happens to valuable information.
8) Insure Yourself against Cyber Threats
In an age where cyber threats are getting more sophisticated by the day, it’s essential to be proactive in protecting yourself online. A cyber insurance policy can help you guard against potential online disasters, whether it’s hacking into your accounts or identity theft. And since most of us are novices when it comes to online safety and security, cyber insurance can take some of the guesswork out of keeping you safe online. Whether it covers identity theft, online personas or your own stored information, think of your cyber insurance policy as a proactive investment that will pay for itself in case something goes wrong.
Whatever your needs, risk tolerance or online lifestyle looks like, we at Penny Insurance are here to help you stay safe. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
by Penny Insurance Agency | Jun 14, 2022 | Insurance
A vacation home can be the perfect place to get away from the constant grind of the week. But while your primary home has certain protections and insurances in place, a vacation home may not be quite as protected. With more and more people deciding to own vacation or secondary homes, it’s important to protect those investment properties as much as possible. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Homeowner’s Insurance?
Homeowners insurance is a type of property insurance that covers damage or destruction to your home. If your home (whether primary or secondary) is damaged by fire, flood, theft, or other disaster covered by a standard homeowners policy, you’ll be able to recoup some of your money spent on repairs.
As an owner of multiple properties, it’s important for homeowners to know what their home insurance covers them for—and what it doesn’t. While every policy varies slightly from company to company (and person to person), there are a few key details all homeowners policies must cover:
- major catastrophes;
- accidental damage;
- vandalism and theft;
- natural disasters such as storms and floods;
- repairing damage caused by excluded perils (think earthquakes);
- water leaks; and
- mold remediation after natural disasters.
How is Insurance Different for a Second Home?
Insurance on your vacation home is important for a variety of reasons. A large investment like a vacation home, along with its contents, can mean having some peace of mind for yourself and your family.
Primarily, you don’t want your hard-earned money spent on an unexpected repair or other similar expenses if something unexpected were to happen while you’re away. In addition, vacation homes tend to be located in more remote areas like lakes, forests, beaches or mountains, so there may not be nearby resources if you need help immediately in an emergency situation, meaning more time for damage to occur. And finally, because they are more remote and often uninhabited, vacations homes can be a beacon for burglaries or vandalism, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve covered yourself—and your home—well.
Unfortunately, many second homes are not covered by the primary homeowner’s insurance policy, so you need to take steps to insure and protect your vacation home in order to get the coverage you need at the best possible price. When you’re considering insuring a vacation home, there are three main areas to focus on: the dwelling itself, the contents of the home, and any additional liability.
Dwelling
This type of coverage ensures that the building itself is covered from damage and loss, in cases of fire, burglary or other damages. (However, it’s important to note that if your second home is in a high-risk area—like for hurricanes or floods—that you carry additional umbrella coverage as well.)
Belongings
This covers the items within the home—furniture, electronics, clothes—ensuring that they can be replaced if lost, damaged or stolen.
Liability
Because many vacation homes are hubs of activity, having an additional liability policy to cover any accidents is a good idea. That way, if anyone is injured or an item is damaged—you have the coverage to make it right. In some cases, you may be able to extend your liability coverage from your first home over to your second—so you’ll want to talk to your agent about what is preferable, as well as what is the most cost-effective option for you.
How to Determine your Insurance Needs for a Vacation Home
Having proper insurance guarantees that you won’t have any issues when it comes time to make repairs or replace items that are damaged or destroyed due to unforeseen circumstances, but it can be complex to determine how much coverage you need, what types of coverage and what policies you should consider.
For this reason, having an insurance agent with specialized concierge service can help. At Penny Insurance, our agents are positioned to be your trusted advocate in the journey, and can walk you through every option available to you to help you find the right insurance. Not only that, but because Penny Insurance is an independent agency, you can be sure you’ll always have someone on your side—even when something goes awry.
Whatever your needs, what types of coverage you need or questions you may have, we are always here to help you along the way. If you would like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
by Penny Insurance Agency | May 6, 2022 | Boat / RV Insurance
If you own or are thinking about purchasing a boat, there’s one thing you need to understand above all else: boat insurance is a necessity. No matter what kind of boat you own, there is always a chance that it could be damaged or lost at some point, so it’s important to ensure that your investment and your lifestyle are protected.
We’re not going to sugarcoat it—boat insurance is expensive. But that doesn’t mean you should skimp out and try to save a few bucks on coverage. With insurance, as with many things in life, you typically get what you pay for, and because watercraft damage can be unpredictable and pervasive, it pays off to spend a little more on your policy and know that you have comprehensive coverage for all possible dangers. That way, if your boat does come into harm’s way, it’ll get taken care of quickly and effectively, with less hassle and frustration from all parties involved.
Fortunately, you don’t have to end up in deep water. Here’s everything you need to know about boat insurance basics before heading out this summer.
What is Boat Insurance and What Does It Cover?
Just like having automotive insurance covers many aspects of owning and operating a car, boat insurance is similar for all types of watercraft. While many states don’t require insurance policies to be held for personal watercraft (although many marinas do), boat owners should always ensure that they have coverage for whatever may come their way. Fortunately, most insurance policies are comprehensive, and cover some or all of the following:
- Sinking
- Fire
- Theft
- Storm Damage
- Collision
- Liability (damage to other boats or structures)
How Do I Choose a Policy?
The key to choosing a policy is to first look at your budget and determine how much coverage you can afford. In some cases, insuring your boat may be a part of a larger insurance package that also includes auto, homeowner’s or renter’s and life insurance policies.
In general, a boat insurance policy should cover three things: property damage, medical payments and collision/collision liability. To fully understand the risk and options available to you, you may want to sit down with an insurance agent to discuss your own circumstances, needs and considerations. Then, they will be able to review your needs carefully before coming up with an actionable plan that fits your lifestyle.
10 Things to Consider (along with Your Insurance Agent)
There are a number of things to consider when purchasing boat insurance (or simply before purchasing the boat itself!) When you sit down with your insurance agent, make sure to talk through the following items so you can make sure you are fully covered.
1. Am I already insured?
Because some policies will cover watercraft as part of a larger policy, check with your current insurance provider if there is any chance that you are already covered under your general home/auto policy, or if it would be better to consider stand-alone coverage.
2. Do I have enough liability protection in case someone gets hurt while using my boat?
Most states require boaters to carry at least $100,000 in liability protection—but some require more than double that amount! In addition, if you are renting a slip at a marina or have a membership there, there may be additional (read: higher) requirements for liability insurance. Make sure you not only understand the thresholds you need to maintain, but have insurance that covers you for the full amount.
3. How much will it cost to replace my boat if something happens?
It’s always better to over-insure than under-insure, but knowing how much your vessel is worth makes a big difference in calculating how much you should spend on protecting it. Fortunately, it’s not hard to determine the value, and an insurance agent can help you along the way.
4. How long am I covered for?
Just like car insurance, boat insurance policies typically last anywhere from six months to one year. To guarantee you always stay covered, make sure your policy will auto-renew so you don’t have a lapse in coverage.
5. What deductibles are involved?
Deductibles are just like those found on auto policies; higher deductibles mean lower premiums. Compare policy options alongside your agent to ensure that you’re balancing these two costs against each other, and won’t end up in a bind if something happens.
As you hit the water this summer—whether it’s at the local lakes or the open sea, make sure you’re covered along the way. We at Penny Insurance are always here to help you navigate the sometimes complex world of insurance coverage. If you would like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
by Penny Insurance Agency | Apr 19, 2022 | General Tips, Valuable Items Insurance, Wedding Insurance
When it comes to your family heirlooms, you can’t help but be passionate about them. You probably also want to ensure that they are safe from damage or theft, especially if you know that they will one day be handed down to future generations.
But when it comes to protecting the irreplaceable mementos of our lives, how can you ensure their safety and security? This guide will show you how to protect your family heirlooms and collectibles, keeping them safe and sound to continue a legacy into the future.
1. Keep a record
To begin with, make sure you have detailed records of the items: their descriptions, costs, and appraisal values. This will not only help you insure them properly, but will provide a comprehensive account in case of theft or loss, which will come in handy when it comes time to make a claim. In addition, this information may be useful in case you are ever audited by the IRS for tax purposes. These records are often requested during an audit; therefore, the more information you have on hand about each item, the better off you’ll be. Be sure to include details such as where and how you acquired each piece of property, including receipts if possible, as well as details about any restoration work that has been done.
2. Store them safely
When it comes to keeping a family heirloom protected, the first rule of thumb is to store it safely. Putting a piece that is worth thousands of dollars in an enclosed space, or even on a shelf where it could be damaged, is asking for trouble. The best thing to do is buy a large, airtight and stable box or chest, take photos of everything, and then store each item separately. You may even want to categorize them by a number or code that matches your written records. The next step? Put that box away in storage where no one can get to it easily. For highly valuable items, store them somewhere secure, like a bank safety deposit box.
3. Get a collectible insurance policy
Collectible insurance policies are used to protect antique and collectible items, and depending on how valuable your collection is, getting one could be a wise decision. For example, if you inherited a hand-carved grandfather clock from an uncle who purchased it from an upscale store in New York City, getting insured wouldn’t just be smart—it might save you thousands down the road. Fortunately, getting a collectible insurance policy doesn’t have to break your bank; most insurance providers offer affordable rates, depending on what kind of coverage you need. So when it comes to protecting your hard-earned treasures, consider adding a collectible insurance policy to your arsenal.
4. Plan to pass them on
There are many ways to plan to pass on heirlooms, but if you’re looking to leave them to others—especially pieces with high-value or a lot of meaning within the family—putting your plans in writing is a good idea. While it may not matter to you at that point, it can mean the difference between keeping your wishes intact and an all-out family feud.
Additionally, you may want to discuss your plans with your insurance provider—they can oftentimes provide customized coverage that protects the item through—or even after—the transition.
Whatever you’re looking to leave behind, what types of coverage you need or the questions you may have, we at Penny Insurance are always here to help you along the way. If you would like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
by Amanda Dempsey | Feb 23, 2022 | General Tips
In the United States, our largest generation is aging; when combined with increased longevity and higher ages among the older population, it means that many Americans are at risk of outliving their benefits and life retirement savings. While it would be hard to find anyone that would say that living longer is a bad thing, the reality is that it can cause a number of financial and logistical issues for those who do.
Fortunately, there is a solution: long-term care insurance, an important consideration for anyone who may need to live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility. Not only can long-term care insurance cover the cost of any long-term care needs that are related to age and disability, but it can also prepare for a future you might not be able to see coming.
What is long term care insurance and why do you need it
Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance coverage that pays for health care needs not covered by Medicare and Medicaid. This includes nursing home costs, assisted living facility expenses, adult day services, personal assistance and other types of long term care.
When you buy long-term care insurance, you are essentially pre-paying for your future health care needs. The policy will usually cover at least some (or sometimes, all) of the costs of long-term care, depending on the type of coverage you choose.
There are two types of long-term care insurance policies:
1. Indemnity policies.
With an indemnity policy, the insurance company will pay for any approved long-term care services that you need.
2. Benefit period policies.
With a benefit period policy, the insurance company will pay for a certain number of years’ worth of long-term care services. Once that number of years is up, the policyholder is on their own. Some benefit period policies can be renewed after the initial time period ends, but will usually incur a higher cost.
What are the benefits of having long-term care insurance?
There are a number of benefits to having long-term care insurance, which is why it is crucial that anyone close to retirement considers it as an option in their portfolio.
Peace of Mind.
You will have peace of mind knowing that you won’t have to worry about paying for long-term care services in the future, should you outlive some of your other financial means.
Immediate Medical Help.
With a long-term care policy, you receive financial assistance right away – so you don’t have to wait until your condition worsens to get help with daily activities and health care costs that aren’t covered by Medicare or Medicaid.
Wide Coverage Options.
Long-term care insurance helps cover assisted living facility expenses, adult day services and personal assistance required for those who suffer from disabilities as a result of age or other health conditions.
What are some disadvantages of long-term care insurance?
Of course, in contrast, there are always things you need to weigh against when considering purchasing a long-term care policy.
First, long-term care insurance policies can be very expensive and usually require you to pay an up-front premium, plus a yearly premium after that that can continue for as long as your policy is still in effect. You may also be subject to a waiting period before benefits start paying out – meaning you’ll have to pay for any expenses incurred during this time yourself.
Also, be prepared to pay more in premiums as you age; premiums on long-term care policies increase as the insured gets older.
Finally, if for some reason the costs of long-term care exceed the amount paid by your insurance company under your policy, any additional expenses you incur will need to be covered by another source—possibly Medicaid—but it is not a guarantee. Make sure you talk with your trusted agent to determine where your gaps in coverage may be and how they can be shored up before you need them.
If you’re close to retirement, looking to plan ahead, or simply want to know your options in healthcare and other forms of insurance coverage, don’t hesitate to let us know. We at Penny Insurance are dedicated to helping you find the best solutions for whatever you need. Should you like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
by Amanda Dempsey | Jan 24, 2022 | Insurance
People have been riding horses for centuries, and they remain a popular choice for recreation and transportation even today. There may be many reasons why people invest in horses, but regardless of the reason, it’s important to protect your investment—for work, fun or just companionship—with equine insurance. Not only can this help cover any injuries or illnesses that might happen to the animal, it can also provide coverage should the animal be stolen or lost. In this article, we’ll discuss the main types of equine insurance, and other considerations for horse owners.
What is Equine Insurance?
Equine insurance is insurance for horse owners that generally covers the loss or injury of the horse. In this instance, we will define equine insurance as insurance on the horse itself, although there are often many different types of insurance that can sometimes fall into this category—including farm property coverage for paddocks and land and liability insurance if your horse is used for business purposes.
The 2 Types of Equine Insurance
Although there are different types of policies and coverage options to choose from, most equine insurance boils down to two types: Mortality and theft insurance, and Medical/Surgical coverage.
All-Risk Mortality and Theft
Typically only issued for horses under 20 years of age, a mortality policy covers the loss of a horse due to death, or even theft. This type of coverage is typically available for both personal use animals and trail horses, and in the instance that your horse needs to be put down, is stolen or dies, a mortality policy will reimburse you for the loss, based on age and health of the horse at the time the policy is taken out.
Medical/Surgical
Available as an add-on to mortality plans, these plans can cost anywhere between 2.5 and four percent of the animal’s value. Medical/Surgical policies can be considered like health insurance for your horse—covering medical costs in case of illness or injuries—and similarly, cover everything from prescriptions to surgery. However, most policies will not cover basic or preventative care like vaccinations or dental care.
Other Insurance Considerations for Horse Owners
If you are considering equine insurance for your horse—whether it be a work asset or more of a family friend, there are other things to consider when considering an equine policy.
The right policy matters
While there are two common policy types that we’ve covered above, the reality is that there are many options for different types and forms of coverage for horse owners. Liability insurance covers injury and property damage to others, horse transit policies cover the transportation risks of horses that are constantly on the move. One should also consider the surrounding policies that will help protect the investment and the horse itself—like property or dwelling damage for structures like barns, and farm coverage for a larger land property.
Because the uses of horses differ, as does each household or business, it’s important to understand that policies can vary widely. Some mortality policies may pay out a mere thousands, while others pay multiples of that in case of loss, but the premium will match the back-end payouts, as well. As with any other insurance consideration, navigating the many options and finding the best selection for you (and your horse!) is key. Make sure you engage an agent you trust along the way to make the process easier, and to nail down the right policies for you and your large animals.
Policies are non-transferrable
A policy on a horse is similar to a policy on a human—they are for that specific individual, and cannot be transferred to another. While it may be an option to add more animals (read: horses) to your policy, they would need to be listed as separate individuals. What’s more: if you sell or give the horse to a new owner, the policy cannot go with the horse. Instead, that owner would need to take out a new policy for the animal, and you’d need to cancel yours.
Timing is key
If you already carry a policy on your horse—or once you have one in place—understand that most policies require immediate notification if the horse becomes ill or injured. Know what your policy covers—and what it requires of you for claims—before they become an issue later on.
However your horse fits into your family, and whatever the type of coverage you may need, Penny Insurance is here to answer any questions and help you select the best plan possible to cover your equine investment. Should you have any questions about coverage or insurance types, or if you would like to schedule a consultation or get a quote, please contact us and let us know.
